272 PLANTING THE ORNAMENTAL GROUNDS 



groups or masses in the border, or scatter them about the 

 lawns. September or October is the proper season. 

 CHIONODOXA. Spikes of intense blue flowers, coining with 

 Snow-drops, and lasting a long time in perfection. Plant 

 them like Snow-drops, as early in the fall as the bulbs 

 can be ootained. 



SCILLA (Scilla Sibiriea). Also known as the Star Hyacinth. 

 Flowers blue, coming early, like the last. They may be 

 used like Snow-drops. The bulbs should be planted 2 

 inches deep, in October, to remain undisturbed thereafter. 

 WINTER ACONITE (Eranthis hyemalis). Bright yellow blos- 

 soms, appearing even before the Snow-drops, and continu- 

 ing in flower for several weeks. Perfectly hardy, growing 

 about 3 inches high. Plant them as soon as obtained. 

 They require little attention after once planting. All of 

 the last four genera will grow in any garden soil. 

 LILY-OF-THE-VALLEY ( Convallaria) '. These are of the easiest 

 culture, and no garden is complete without them. All that 

 is necessary is some shade and a good loamy or sandy 

 soil. The pips may be planted any time from Novem- 

 ber on. 



LILIES. If good drainage is provided, Lilies will grow in 

 any ordinary, fairly rich soil. The instructions previously 

 given may be followed, but it is not necessary to make the 

 soil as light as is sometimes done. Deep working, how- 

 ever, is always desirable; 18 inches, or even 2 feet, will 

 be none too deep. A layer of sand, or a handful placed 

 about each bulb, is excellent practice. For all Lilies it 

 is safer to provide good winter protection in the form of a 

 mulch of leaves or manure, and extending beyond the bor- 

 ders of the planting. This should be from 5 inches to 

 a foot deep, according to the latitude or locality. 

 Where Lilies are to be moved from one part of the grounds 

 to another, it may be done 'carefully in the spring .after growth 

 has started. They should be guarded against becoming dry, 

 and replanted as quickly as possible. Most of the Lilies like 

 partial shade. Planting them where they will be shaded from 

 the hot noon-day sun by shrubbery, trees, or buildings, not 

 only tends to improve the flowers, but helps to make the soil 

 more comfortable for the bulbs during the summer. The well- 



